Next question would be if I should put the amp direct into the receptacle and then use the other outlet in that receptacle for a surge strip...? Which means the Denon will be connected to the surge power strip
Well obviously you want something to plug direct. The question is what? Could be the amp. Could be a source. The only way to know is to try. Sorry. But that’s just the way it is.
My question would be, how many? Because since you’re wiring this, and depending on how far you’re willing to go with power conditioners (sounds like, power strip, not far) you will be a lot better off to wire for a multiple gang outlet. This will be a lot better than any power strip, and easier to upgrade outlets if you ever do want to do that later on.
Something to keep in mind, you are after all talking using a Denon HT receiver. I’ve done multiple dedicated lines, know all about the differences, how they compare relative to other things you could do. Right now nothing, and I mean nothing, will make as big an improvement as ditching AVR for a decent integrated amp. You could plug any integrated into the same circuit as 20 appliances, run a blow drier, crank flourescents on a dimmer, still kill that AVR.
Just trying to put things in perspective for you. I started out the same, thinking a receiver would be okay. Actually you are off to a head start. I didn’t even have a dedicated line, at least not in the beginning. That was added later. Which is how I know what they can do, and what they are worth, relative to other things.
https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367